In Kent, the UK, amidst natural barriers of hazel, ivy, and briar, lies a significant preservation effort for apple diversity. The National Fruit Collection, hosted in this locale, stands as a testament to the variety of apples once prevalent in the British Isles, showcasing over 2,000 varieties among more than 4,000 trees. This collection, unlike its counterparts in the USDA's Plant Genetic Resources Unit in Geneva, New York, and New Zealand's Plant & Food Research, focuses primarily on the varieties cultivated in the British context, reflecting the nation's historical connection to apple cultivation.
Matthew Ordidge, a senior research fellow at the University of Reading and the curator of the collection, emphasizes the cultural significance of apples in the UK, despite the contemporary dominance of a few commercial varieties. The shift towards imported varieties in recent decades has marginalized many traditional English apples, making the collection a crucial archive for those interested in the genetic lineage and diversity of the fruit.
Apples, being heterozygous, do not reproduce true to type from seed, necessitating grafting techniques to preserve desirable varieties. This method has allowed the survival of genotypes that may date back to the Roman period. The collection's role has evolved from supporting domestic breeding to aiding in the genetic deciphering of apples worldwide. Recent research has revealed complex genetic backgrounds for many varieties, including the discovery of triploidy in some cases, which complicates genetic lineage tracing.
The collection has contributed to understanding the genealogy of apples, with findings linking various cultivars through genetic markers. This research has revealed connections between well-known varieties and their ancestors, enriching the narrative of apple cultivation and its global significance.
As the collection prepares to incorporate varieties rescued by the Marcher Apple Network, it underscores the ongoing interest in and importance of preserving apple diversity. These efforts not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also celebrate the rich heritage of apple cultivation in the UK and beyond.
Source: BBC